PLANT CELL BIOTECHNOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

Presented study evaluated forty four (44) germplasm of Lens culinaris to explore genetic diversity based on their morphological characters and seed storage protein profile. Using cluster analysis, the binary data matrix was subjected to statistical analysis. Dendrogram was divided into two linkage groups, A and B at 20% genetic distance. The linkage group A consisted of only one cluster C1. While linkage group B consisted of two clusters C2 and C3 which were separated from each other at 38% genetic distance. Range of genetic distance was estimated from 0 to 38%. Maximum genetic Variation (60%) was found in genotype Tallo, Rundaish, Doroo and Bara Banda genotypes. While minimum genetic variation (30%) was found in Naloo, Rokhan, Ganori, Jabalok, Bekarai, Gandigar, Sahib Abad, Unkar, Charagali, Kandao, Babiwar, Katan Payen, Satal, Warai, Cheragarali, Amloknar, Darora, Dogdara,Tarpatar, Kotkai, Rokhan, Sunkot, Ranzra, Bandaish and Barawal. SDS-PAGE analysis showed a total six (06) bands in all the 44 genotypes. Among these band “B6” was monomorphic while five (05) were polymorphic. Based on two ways clustering the genetic diversity potential of bands 1, 3 and 6 was 86%. Band 2 was potentially similar to bands 1, 3 and 6. Band 4 and 5 was unique and it was dylsent from other bands at more than 52% genetic diversity. Cluster analysis, correlation and comparative variation showed significant diversity in minor bands and low diversity in major bands. These findings revealed that Pakistani Lens culinaris genotypes and cultivars grown in Pakistan come from a narrow gene pool however these variations can be exploited for developing varieties with desirable traits. Present study also revealed that electrophoretic banding profile of seed proteins provide a powerful tool for estimating diversity existing in the Lens culinaris genotypes, and can be successfully used to study the variation among the germplasm on geographic distribution.